"I can feel the electricity": How blind football became one of Paralympics' must-see shows

France captain Frederic Villeroux celebrated his goal that sent France into the semifinals (Getty Images for IPC). Andre Breton would surely approve. Under the shadow of Paris’ Eiffel Tower and in torrential rain, an enormous capacity crowd gathers silently under an unfolding five-a-side football match. You hear birds chirping and distant sirens blaring while visually-impaired players track the ball across the pitch with ease – the silence heightening our senses as we hold back gasps or whisper our support reverently; until Captain Frederic Villeroux unleashes an unstoppable top corner piledriver from 15 yards out! Once France secured their spot in the Paralympic final with Villeroux’s strike at Cecifoot Stadium on August 15th (Getty Images for IPC), temporary stands began shaking so intensely it felt as if tectonic plates had shifted beneath Rive Gauche. Villeroux became France’s “Talisman and Leader,” sending their temporary stands trembling. You might think you have seen everything during Paris summer of 2016, until being part of silent Mexican Wave at Cecifoot or watching noiseless penalty shoot-out that ended when Brazil’s Alves accidentally struck post thereby ending his unbeaten 20 year unbeaten Paralympic run – something only Brazil’s Alves could do before. “Frederic scored, I felt electric shockwaves pass through me; every sense was on fire – an experience like none other” noted French player Martin Baron whose team will face Argentina in Saturday’s final. “Frederic is our leader and deserves this accolade. “Fans were an integral part of this game’s celebrations; we could feel their support. Their loyalty drives us onward. Football is unquestionably beautiful – what we’re doing here adds another level to its beauty – the power of possibility.” The tension was palpable throughout. “After striking it, I didn’t know if it had gone in or not; when it did eventually hit, my greatest feeling of relief came. Football being played near total silence can quickly expose its unique characteristics: back chatterers, serial moaners and tireless encouragers can easily be identified among its participants.” Argentina’s Froilan Padilla stands out in all three departments and can often be heard shouting from across the Seine. “My team made me extremely happy today; they never stopped running; leaving everything they had on the pitch!” He expressed his satisfaction: “They never quit running…They left it all on the pitch!” “They often tell me I yell too often; my defense mechanisms never rest, and that it can become unbearable at times – all true; however they know I love them very much and appreciate all I do for them!” Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB until Paris 2024; supporting all athletes throughout this exciting journey.”